Rep. Chris Poulos

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program to test solar-powered noise barriers along state highways, aiming to reduce traffic noise while generating electricity. It requires the state transportation commissioner to install and evaluate one to three of these structures, consulting with utility regulators on power connections, and submit a detailed report by January 2028 on costs, performance, and environmental impacts. The legislation also updates vehicle noise regulations by reinforcing requirements for mufflers, exhaust systems, and horns, while increasing the fine for violations to $150,000 per offense. These changes directly affect state highway infrastructure projects and motor vehicle owners and operators.

Maddy summaryHB 5324 repeals several existing education-related mandates in Connecticut. It removes requirements for schools to implement human trafficking training for staff (previously mandated for educators, law enforcement, and healthcare workers), mandates for school composting of organic waste, and a rule allowing school districts to exclude certain insurance losses from budget calculations. The bill directly affects public and nonpublic schools, district administrators, and school personnel who previously had to comply with these specific requirements. This legislation aims to reduce administrative burdens by eliminating these statutory obligations, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 312 allows Connecticut's Department of Education to approve machine-learning literacy tools that listen to students read, analyze performance in real time, and provide immediate individualized feedback, provided they align with reading science research and meet effectiveness standards. It also requires educator preparation programs to include mandatory behavior management courses for graduates and establishes an American Sign Language (ASL) working group to develop curriculum standards, teacher certification pathways, and training programs for ASL educators. The bill mandates the Department to issue ASL curriculum guidance by 2030 to support schools implementing world language requirements. These provisions directly affect public school students, educators, and school districts through new instructional tools and educator training requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new lump sum death benefit of $100,000 for surviving families of first responders who die from firefighter cancer while performing their duties. It creates a dedicated "Fallen Hero Fund" to finance these payments and expands the definition of firefighter cancer to include various types of cancer affecting multiple body systems. The law applies to first responders including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, and ensures these benefits are paid in addition to any other compensation or survivor benefits they may receive.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the Connecticut Siting Council to oversee utility projects and hazardous waste facilities, requiring specific state officials and public members to participate in review proceedings. It establishes new membership rules that include designated representatives from state agencies, legislative leaders, and five public members appointed by the Governor who must have no financial ties to utilities or related facilities. The bill also creates ad hoc members from local municipalities for specific projects and requires the council to include staff dedicated to engaging the public and providing plain language summaries of proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 386 requires the use of ranked-choice voting in certain elections starting in 2028, including most primaries (except presidential preference primaries until April 2028), municipal elections, and presidential preference primaries. This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) rather than voting for just one candidate. Ballots must be designed to let voters rank all candidates, and tabulation occurs in rounds: the least-preferred candidate is eliminated each round until one candidate achieves a majority of votes. The bill applies to elections for single-office positions and mandates that the Secretary of the State approves ballot formats and instructions.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 updates Connecticut's foundational education funding formula. It sets a base funding amount of $11,525 per student for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024-2026, then adjusts this amount annually based on the higher of personal income growth or inflation (as defined in state law) for all subsequent years. This change directly affects public school districts statewide by altering how state education funding is calculated and distributed. The bill does not modify specific programs for special education or early childhood services, as referenced in its title, but updates the core funding mechanism used to determine district allocations. The new formula takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5378 requires a study to determine if Connecticut can establish a state-run health insurance program (the "Connecticut Option Program") that would allow multiple employers to pool health coverage. The bill also updates definitions related to self-funded health plans shared by multiple employers (known as multiple employer welfare arrangements, or MEWAs) and other insurance terms. It does not create new programs but mandates a feasibility study by the state's insurance department. The study will examine whether such a program could provide affordable coverage options for employers and employees. This bill directly affects employers using self-funded health plans and future participants in the Connecticut Option Program, if established.

Maddy summaryHB 5157 delays the requirement for retailers to join Connecticut's tire stewardship program until July 1, 2027. The bill amends Section 22a-905i of the general statutes to add a new subsection (s) that postpones the participation deadline. This directly affects tire retailers who would otherwise need to join the program sooner. The change provides a one-year extension from the original requirement date, giving retailers additional time to comply. The bill does not alter the program's structure or requirements, only the implementation timeline.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of the Educational Ombudsperson within the state's Office of Governmental Accountability to assist students, families, and schools with special education and related educational issues. The office will be led by a governor-appointed official with expertise in educational advocacy and special education law, and will have the authority to investigate complaints, hold hearings, and subpoena witnesses. Additionally, the bill requires the State Department of Education to publicly report annually on the number of students with Section 504 plans and to convene a working group to review how schools provide accommodations to these students.